CONFESSIONS OF A STREET PREACHER: Beautiful upon the mountains

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
– Isaiah 52:7

This man ran. He ran on purpose. He ran with one objective. He ran up hills and over rocky roads. Heat by day and cold by night. In storm of thunders and storm of whispers. He ran in full bold strides and in tender plucking steps. But up and on towards that city. The land of his fathers. The city of his mother’s home. Oh Zion! Jerusalem! Oh city of light!
Jerusalem must know! God people must know. The captive must know! The oppressed and the outcast must know! Babylon is fallen! The cruel task master has been cast down! The promise has come! Salvation has come! The curse of sin and bondage is broken! Johhny is coming home! Suzy doesn’t have to work the enemies camp anymore. Momma! Daddy! Friends! Neighbors! Strangers! all who hear me know, “Our God Reigns!” He visits the fatherless he keeps the mother with child. He gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Bread and Wine, Strength and Joy. He fills our mouth with laughter and our tongue with singing. Oh rejoice with me our deliverance has come! God has visited his people! Our Redeemer lives! Oh sing to the Lord and new song. Bring out the tambourine! Sing! Shout! Dance! Hallelujah! Glory!
The seeing was ancient Israel. The old covenant. How much more could be said of our Lord. Jesus Christ the spotless Lamb of God…
In short brothers and sisters we have good news. Compelling news. News of life. News of heaven. News of a living hope and a risen Saviour! News of redemption and reconciliation! News of forgiveness and deliverance. News of right standing and access. News of peace with God and our neighbor. News of a cross where justice was met and love conquered after all. And news of a Saviour who paid it all.
“He who knew no sin was made to be sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him.” While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. When we were enemies he laid down his life as a ransom for us. Oh how my soul loves to tell of Him, his grace and mercy, peace and rest…